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Prof. Mike Oquaye accuses gov’t of ‘secret trial’ of Chief Justice
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) over what he described as the mishandling of the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
He is unhappy with the constitutional provision requiring the hearing of the Chief Justice’s case to be held in-camera.
“I am concerned about certain issues that I consider vital, particularly the trial in-camera provision. You will ask yourself what the rationale is for that provision in our constitution, what is its purpose, and if we are to give it a purposeful interpretation, where shall we go? The purpose is it to benefit the people of Ghana as a whole, that the Chief Justice must be trial in-camera…”
He added, “From the very beginning, the constitution tells us justice belongs to the people, it emanates from the people, justice belongs to all of us people, one may say that this provision could be advarance to the one that says trial must be done in-camera.” he said in an exclusive interview with JoyNews.
Prof. Oquaye also raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process.
He argued that the judiciary must be insulated from political interference, adding that the current handling of the matter risks eroding confidence in the rule of law.
The Chief Justice was recently suspended following allegations of misconduct, after which a formal petition was submitted to President John Mahama, prompting the formation of a committee to investigate the matter.
The proceedings, however, have largely been conducted in-camera, drawing criticism from sections of the public and some legal minds.
While the NDC government maintains that the suspension was carried out in accordance with constitutional provisions, Prof. Quaye argues that the secrecy surrounding the process undermines the principles of accountability and due process.
Source:Myjoyonline.com
The Government of Ghana has formally written to the African Union requesting that xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa be placed on the agenda of the upcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the AU.
In a letter dated May 6, 2026, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the matter should be discussed at the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting scheduled for June 24 to 27 in El Alamein, Egypt.
According to the government, recurring xenophobic incidents in South Africa have led to the loss of lives, destruction of investments, and threats to the safety and wellbeing of many African nationals living there.
The letter noted that the continued attacks on fellow Africans are worrying, especially considering the support many African countries offered South Africa during the struggle against apartheid and the country’s transition to democracy.
While acknowledging South Africa’s sovereignty and responsibility to protect people within its territory, the Government of Ghana said the targeting of African nationals goes against the principles of African solidarity, brotherhood, and continental unity upheld by member states of the African Union.
The government further argued that the attacks violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, weaken the spirit of Pan-Africanism and regional integration, and contradict the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes free movement and economic cooperation across the continent.
Ghana has therefore asked the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, acting under the authority of the Chairperson of the African Union, to ensure the matter is officially included on the agenda of the upcoming meeting in line with the AU’s rules of procedure.
The government believes discussions on the issue will help African leaders find lasting solutions to xenophobic violence and strengthen unity among member states.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have committed to a major expansion of their strategic energy partnership following high-level talks between President John Dramani Mahama and UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The agreement, reached Wednesday on the sidelines of the “Make it in the Emirates 2026” summit, centers on a landmark proposal for the UAE to invest in oil and gas storage infrastructure across Ghana.
The two leaders, meeting at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, signaled a shift toward modernizing their energy sectors.
While reinforcing traditional oil and gas ties, they emphasised a transition toward Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and solar power to reduce a historical over-reliance on crude oil.
During the exchange, President Mahama expressed strong solidarity with the UAE regarding the volatile security situation in the Middle East.
Acknowledging the UAE’s sensitive role as a regional buffer, both leaders called for a swift de-escalation of US-Iran hostilities.
They noted that regional stability is the only path toward allowing the global community to refocus on innovation and sustainable development.
“Ghana remains a peaceful partner and a secure, stable democracy,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated, noting that Ghana offers significant opportunities for mutual growth.
Beyond energy, the bilateral talks covered a broad spectrum of future-facing industries, including, Artificial Intelligence and Technology, Renewable Energy and Climate Innovation Trade and Investment Diversification.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the deep historical bonds between the two nations.
Both presidents expressed optimism that this renewed partnership will yield immediate, tangible advancements in trade and technology, securing a more prosperous and sustainable future for both Ghanaians and Emiratis.
